This one pot sloppy joe pasta combines ground beef, onion, bell pepper, ketchup, and simple seasonings with tender pasta and melted cheddar cheese. Ready in about 30 minutes and made in one pan, it’s an easy weeknight dinner with all the classic sloppy joe flavor.
Jump to:
We love sloppy joes around here, so I’ve been experimenting with different ways to enjoy those classic sweet and tangy flavors.
Of course, there’s my classic Sloppy Joe Recipe, but I’ve also turned it into Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread and a cheesy Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole.
This one pot pasta version has quickly become another favorite because it delivers all that familiar flavor in an easy skillet meal.
If your family loves quick dinners made with simple ingredients, this recipe is a great one to keep in your meal rotation.
It’s hearty, cheesy, and comes together in about 30 minutes with just one pan to wash, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
- Meat: I use lean ground beef, but ground turkey or ground chicken work well too.
- Vegetables: Green bell pepper and onion add classic sloppy joe flavor. Red or yellow bell peppers can be substituted for a slightly sweeter taste.
- Pasta: I like using Italian bronze-cut pasta, but any short pasta, such as shells, rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni, works well in this recipe.
- Sauce: Ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper create the classic sweet and tangy sloppy joe flavor. Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but you can substitute ½ teaspoon garlic powder if needed.
- Cheese: I like sharp cheddar because it melts well and adds plenty of flavor. Mild cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are all good options.
How to Make One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta
These photos show the main steps. Scroll to the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and instructions.
Brown the ground beef with the onion and bell pepper, then stir in the seasonings.
Stir in the beef broth, ketchup, water, and pasta, then simmer until the pasta is tender.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt before serving.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover sloppy joe pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce. The pasta may become softer and break apart slightly when reheated on the stovetop.
Is Sloppy Joe Good on Pasta?
Yes! Sloppy joe sauce pairs perfectly with pasta because the noodles soak up the sweet and tangy sauce. It’s an easy way to enjoy classic sloppy joe flavors without needing hamburger buns.
Try These One-Pot Pasta Recipes Next
- One-Pot Chili Mac – A hearty one-pan chili macaroni topped with melted cheese.
- Ground Beef Pasta – An easy one-pan dinner with ground beef and a tomato-based sauce.
- Chicken Alfredo Pasta – Creamy, cheesy, and ready in about 30 minutes.
Love this recipe?
Leave a comment and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!
One-Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 1½ tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can beef broth 14.5 ounces
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables: Dice the onion and bell pepper.
- Brown the ground beef and vegetables: Cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.1 pound ground beef, 1 cup onion, 1 bell pepper
- Add seasonings: Add the mustard, brown sugar, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, then stir to combine.1½ tablespoons yellow mustard, 1½ tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons garlic, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Add liquid and pasta: Stir in the beef broth, water, and ketchup, then add the pasta.1 can beef broth, 1 cup ketchup, 2 cups pasta, ½ cup water
- Cook: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 13–15 minutes.
- Top with cheese: When the pasta is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Top with shredded cheese, cover, and let the cheese melt.1 cup shredded cheese
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.